Please take this page in conjunction with the Part III Guide to Courses Astrophysics section.
The suite of astrophysics courses offered in Part III covers an enormous diversity of physical processes and mathematical techniques; it is thus difficult to assign general prerequisites. In any case, a number of the courses are almost fully self-contained.
Prerequisite areas
- Mathematical Methods and Dynamics: for all courses in this area.
- Basic Fluid Dynamics: for all courses.
- Basic Thermodynamics: for all courses.
- Basic Electromagnetism: for the courses Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics, and Dynamics of Astrophysical Discs.
- Statistics: for Astrostatistics
Mathematical Methods and Dynamics
All Astrophysics courses require basic mathematical skills and certain mathematical techniques.
Relevant undergraduate courses are (for relevant schedules, example sheets and exam questions, refer to the General Resources):
- Part IA Differential Equations, Vectors & Matrices, Vector Calculus, Dynamics & Relativity
- Part IB Methods
- Part II Classical Dynamics
Useful resources
- Lecture Notes for Part IA Vector Calculus by Professors Allanach and Evans.
- Lecture Notes on separation of variables (Part IB Methods) by Professor Josza.
- Lecture Notes on Greens functions for PDEs (Part IB Methods) by Professor Josza.
Fluid Mechanics
A basic understanding of fluid mechanics is needed.
Relevant undergraduate courses are (for relevant schedules, example sheets and exam questions, refer to the General Resources):
- Part IB Fluid Dynamics
- Part II Fluid Dynamics II
Useful resources
- Chapters 1-8 of Elementary Fluid Dynamics by D.J. Acheson (Oxford), as suggested in the formal prerequisites.
- Lectures notes for Part II Fluid Dynamics II by Prof. Proctor.
Basic Thermodynamics
Part IB Quantum Mechanics is needed (or a prerequisite) for the course Structure and Evolution of Stars. It isn't needed for any other course.
A basic understanding of thermodynamics is needed for all courses except for Astrostatistics.
The relevant undergraduate course is (for relevant schedules, example sheets and exam questions, refer to the General Resources):
- Part II Statistical Physics
Useful resources
- Lectures notes for Part II Statistical Physics by Professor Tong.
Basic Electromagnetism
Electromagnetic concepts arise in Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics, and Dynamics of Astrophysical Discs.
The relevant undergraduate courses are (for relevant schedules, example sheets and exam questions, refer to the General Resources):
- Part IB Electromagnetism
- Part II Electrodynamics
Useful resources
- Lectures notes for Part IB Electromagnetism by Professor Tong.
Statistics
Basic statistical methods are required for the course Astrostatistics only. Students without a previous statistics background should familiarise themselves with Chapters 1-4 in Fiegleson & Babu (see link below).
Useful resources
Modern Statistical Methods for Astronomy, Feigelson and Babu
